If there was honest labeling for affairs, many people would reconsider their choices about such activity. The price tag needs to include the following:
-destruction of trust with your spouse
-destruction of trust with your children (or parents)
-damage to relationship
-cost of hush money
-cost of divorce/child custody hearings
-cost of sexual transmitted disease screenings/treatment
-increased risk of blackmail
-cost of stress related health disorders (including heart attacks, hypertension, anyeurisms and migraines)
-risk of spiritual alienation
-risk of life-threatening incidents
Despite these many costs, some people choose to take their chances with an affair. They assume that they’re smarter than others and will somehow be immune to these risks.
If a traumatic incident like a car wreck or emotionally traumatizing event occurred which triggered such symptoms and risks, those afflicted would want to sue for damages. Even though affairs do similar damage, people aren’t getting sued over it.
If these were risks of flying on airlines, no one would ever fly. Just imagine if you were told that there is a high risk behavior that can elevate your blood pressure, put you at risk for disease, heart attack, migraines, face large financial penalties and be ostracized from friends, family, and social groups would you consider engaging in that behavior?
With all the health risks, it seems that the Surgeon General should attach a warning label on any sleazy looking individual.
So before you become enamored with the hot looking person at work or at the bar, or office party, consider the price tag of an affair.
The effects of an affair impact everyone involved. The cheater, the lover and the betrayed all experience damage. No one is immune from the effects.
In the video, “Overcoming Affair Trauma”, I cover many of these effects and ways of overcoming them. I invite you to check it out if you find yourself stuck.
Best Regards,
Jeff
